In Washington state a common term among home inspectors is "conducive condition." I know that the local real estate agents in Bellingham and the whole region see this terminology in reports. It refers to a condition that can lead to attracting wood destroying organisms -- rot or wood destroying insects. The definition is pretty broad, rooted with WSDA, and it can mean anything from a leaking drain to a bad downspout or dirt against cladding. One conducive condition that I have seen three times this week is firewood piled up against the house or stored in mass under the deck. Firewood often has wood destroying insects working in the wood, such as carpenter ants. And it is not uncommon for rot to be present as well. Any homeowner who burns firewood should NOT store it against the house, under the deck or in the attached garage or in any structure that one is hoping to keep in good shape. Thanks for stopping by, Steven L. Smith
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Interesting information. Thanks for the tip, Steven!
What about storing it outside against a brick garage wall?
Steve, wonderful advice... but I have my OWN reasons for not storing wood next to, in or near my house.... and since a picture says a 1000 words... here you have it...
By the way, is Nutsy ok?
Steve the biggest problem is that the NW IS a conducive condition
I just spoke to a client yesterday about this, I told them it was seasoning a piece of meat...
I hope you're having a good weekend Steven,
Paul
Hi Steven, Great advice, and most homeowners probably aren't even aware the damage resulting from storing firewood close to the home. jay
If I used that term in my area, the real estate world would be spinning on it's head. I think I'll try it - just for grins and giggles. Most folks haven't a clue what potential danger is hidden in wood stacked too close to a house...
Helping you help others live their American dream...
Not only wood, but bricks, stones, patio tiles, anything that termites can hide in, can attract them to the house!